Mikel is now the only fit holding midfielder at Benitez's disposalANDY RAIN

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Mikel is serving a three-match ban but will be heading to the African Nations CupAFP/Getty Images

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Benitez could be forced to enter the transfer marketTimes photographer,Marc Aspland

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Essien being recalled from his loan spell is another optionMike McAtee/Action Images

Mark Cue

Last updated at 3:20PM, December 11 2012

Rafael Benitez, the Chelsea interim manager, has been dealt a further blow
after Oriel Romeu was effectively ruled out for the rest of the season with
a knee injury.

The European champions said that they are resigned to being without Romeu for
the next six months after the 21-year-old midfielder underwent anterior
cruciate reconstruction surgery and medial meniscus repair yesterday.

It means that Benitez will have only one fit holding midfielder, John Obi
Mikel, at his disposal after Raul Meireles was sold and Michael Essien and
Josh McEachran were allowed to leave on season-long loans. To make matters
worse, Mikel